Social Work to offer certificates in nonprofit admin, military/veteran culture

This January, the School of Social Work at Colorado State University will add two new graduate certificates to its growing list of online programs designed to provide helping professionals with a competitive edge in the job market: Nonprofit Administration and Military and Veteran Culture.

“All of our graduate certificate programs provide students with an opportunity for curricular specialization that enhances their marketability in competitive fields,” said Amy Riep, director of The Center for Lifelong Learning and Outreach Education in the School of Social Work. Each certificate is designed to give students a more in-depth understanding and a usable skillset for specialized practice.

Students take three courses for a total of nine credits to earn a certificate, and all of the certificates are offered through CSU Online. The distance format allows students to complete coursework from anywhere.

Nonprofit Administration

The graduate certificate in Nonprofit Administration is a three-fold approach to understanding management tools for effective administration. As part of this program, students will learn nonprofit program development, financial development and volunteer development and management.

“This gives students a curricular edge when applying for nonprofit positions because the skills are already developed and don’t need to be learned through trial and error after employment,” Riep said.

The program is recommended for students who have completed an undergraduate degree and have a desire to work in the nonprofit sector. A wide range of students can benefit from this program, as nonprofit organizations cut across a variety of fields.

Military and Veteran Culture

There is a growing need for services that are responsive to military and veteran personnel, and to the unique needs of their families. While earning the graduate certificate in Military and Veteran Culture, students will learn to employ specialized clinical training for this unique population, to assess common clinical diagnoses and to implement evidence-based interventions to military, veterans and their families.

“Students interested in helping professions involving military personnel and veterans will greatly benefit from the specialized skill set offered by this program,” Riep said.

The program is recommended for students who have completed an undergraduate degree and would like to expand their knowledge in social work by working with members of the military, veterans and their families.

The School of Social Work is part of CSU’s College of Health and Human Sciences. Questions about any of the certificate programs may be directed to Sarah Rudisill, distance liason for the school’s Center for Lifelong Learning and Outreach Education, at (790) 491-7817 or sarah.rudisill@colostate.org.